Senior Mechanical Engineer

The Valentino Group; Alameda (CA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

The Valentino Group in Alameda, CA is seeking a Senior Mechanical Engineer to design and deliver mechanical systems for spaceflight operations. The role involves end-to-end design, CAD modeling, and collaboration with various engineering teams. Candidates should have a Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering and 3–6+ years of experience in rigorous hardware environments. This full-time position is on-site, offering a critical role in ensuring safety and reliability through innovative designs.

Qualifications

• 3–6+ years of mechanical design experience in aerospace, robotics, automotive, or energy.
• Demonstrated ability to take designs from concept through to production.
• Experience with prototyping and assembly support.

Responsibilities

• Own end-to-end design of mechanical and fluid systems.
• Create and maintain 3D CAD models and GD&T.
• Drive prototyping, build support, and integration.

Skills

Mechanical design experience in aerospace

Proficiency with CAD tools (NX, SolidWorks, Creo)

Working knowledge of FEA and/or thermal analysis

Experience with high-pressure and/or cryogenic fluid systems

Comfortable working hands-on

Education

B.S. in Mechanical Engineering or related discipline

Tools

NX

SolidWorks

Creo

Job description

About the job Senior Mechanical Engineer

Senior Mechanical Engineer

Alameda, CA | Full-Time | On-Site

Build the systems that make spaceflight possible.

Our client is seeking a Senior Mechanical Engineer to design, analyze, and deliver the mechanical and fluid systems behind launch operations—everything from cryogenic propellant loading and high‑pressure plumbing to structural components and ground/test infrastructure. Youll own hardware from clean‑sheet design through prototyping, test, and integration, working side‑by‑side with propulsion, avionics, test, and manufacturing team.

If you thrive on complex engineering problems, fast iteration, and hands‑on hardware work, this role is for you.

What Youll Do

• Own end‑to‑end design of mechanical and fluid systems including valves, actuators, plumbing, mechanisms, and structures
• Create and maintain 3D CAD models, detailed drawings, and GD&T; manage P&IDs and flow diagrams as needed
• Perform and interpret structural, thermal, and fluid analyses to validate performance and ensure safety margins
• Drive prototyping, build support, and integration, including hands‑on troubleshooting on the floor and during testing
• Plan and support system‑level test campaigns (qualification, acceptance, and troubleshooting); provide field/launch support when required
• Define operating procedures including startup/shutdown and off‑nominal or emergency conditions
• Partner cross‑functionally with propulsion, test, avionics, and manufacturing to enable buildable, testable designs
• Produce clear documentation: requirements, design reviews, test plans, nonconformances/corrective actions, and compliance packages

What We’re Looking For (Required)

• 3–6+ years of mechanical design experience in aerospace, robotics, automotive, energy, or similarly rigorous hardware environments
• Demonstrated ability to take designs from concept prototype test production
• Proficiency with CAD tools such as NX, SolidWorks, or Creo, and comfort with drawing release workflows
• Working knowledge of FEA and/or thermal analysis (commercial or internal tools)
• Experience with high‑pressure and/or cryogenic fluid systems
• B.S. in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or related discipline
• Comfortable working hands‑on (prototyping, assembly support, test setup, troubleshooting)

Nice to Have (Preferred Qualifications)

• Familiarity with relevant standards such as ASME B31.3, welding standards (e.g., AWS), or aerospace safety practices
• Experience with 6000+ psi systems and/or propellants like LOX, RP‑1, or comparable cryogenic/hazardous fluids
• Background in startup / rapid prototyping environments with high ownership and fast iteration cycles
• Strong root cause analysis and corrective action leadership (failure investigations, containment, long‑term fixes)
• Experience mentoring junior engineers or leading cross‑functional technical efforts

Why This Role

Youll be trusted to make design decisions that directly affect safety, reliability, and mission success—while building real hardware at speed.

This position is subject to U.S. export control regulations, including ITAR and EAR. Employment is contingent upon the candidate’s status as a U.S. Person or ability to obtain an appropriate export license, along with required background checks and (where applicable) eligibility for government contracts or a security clearance.

Per ITAR, a documented U.S. Person is:

• A U.S. permanent resident (green card holder), or
• A person granted refugee or asylee status in the United States